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Teacher’s Day Off: Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week at Hickam Elementary School

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kaitlin Daddona
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  Service men and women got a taste of what it's like to be a teacher at Hickam Elementary School as they led students through health and fitness activities as part of Teacher Appreciation Week May 5-8.

To celebrate the teachers and offer them well-deserved time off, Airmen volunteered their time to supervise the kindergarten through sixth grade students as their teachers enjoyed the Hickam Historical Tour lead by Jessie Higa, learning about the history of the base and the Hickam community.

"We wanted to do something special that celebrated health and fitness for the students at the end of the year, and we also wanted to really do something special for our teachers," said Alyssa Yengo, the Hickam Elementary School parent community network coordinator. "We thought, what if we could do both things on the same day, and let the teachers have a really special experience?"

Besides giving teachers a break, the intention behind the program was to better connect families with the school while creating enriching experiences for the students through open communication with parents, students and teachers.

"Teachers have a lot to deal with on a daily basis, and I respect them," said Tech. Sgt. Evette Blount, a volunteer from the Hawaii 5/6 Counsel and member of the Pacific Command Joint Information Operations Center.

While teachers took pleasure in the peace and quiet during a tour of base, the Hickam Elementary students giggled, screamed and ran around the schoolyard, spending time with the Airmen who normally spend their day in quite a different environment.

The volunteer military members guided the kids through different stations, learning more about health and fitness through fun, interactive and creative games.  Dr. Seuss themed activities gave students the opportunity to get their heart rates up while also exercising their minds.

"Students came ready to go," Yengo said. "They came with their hats and their sunscreen and sneakers, and were ready to play."

Beyond the loud laughter of the children, the focus remained on the appreciation that parents and students have for the loving teachers.

"I don't think I would have the patience to do this all day, every day," Blount said. "I commend them for everything that they do for our kids."